Share Your Photos
Be the first to contribute photos or videos of this fish.
Your profile will be tagged on all media you contribute.
Suggested Tank
125+ gallons
Max Size
8 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A cream-white disc-shaped butterflyfish crossed by six diagonal orange-gold stripes, with black bars through the eye and snout and black-edged fins; juveniles are duller with a dark-blotched pattern before the stripes develop. Peaceful toward tankmates but an obligate corallivore that feeds almost exclusively on SPS coral polyps, so it will destroy stony corals and typically refuses prepared foods. Only suitable for very large, mature fish-only systems where a constant supply of live coral or coral-based paste can be offered; house singly or as an established mated pair with a tight-fitting lid.
Reef Safe
No
Environment
This fish prefers a well-lit aquarium with plenty of hiding places. It thrives in a tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and a variety of hiding spots. The Ornate Butterflyfish prefers a strong current and high-quality water conditions.
Behavior
The Ornate Butterflyfish is generally peaceful but can be territorial with its own kind. It's a diurnal species, meaning it's active during the day and rests at night. It tends to swim in the middle and top parts of the tank.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
Owner Reviews
Christian
@Christian27484
The prettiest butterflyfish period, I would pay thousands to get one that took to frozen food and didn’t snack on coral. Unfortunately most of these starve because coral is their primary diet in the wild and rarely take to prepared foods
Similar Fish
Other medium fish you might like
Write a Review
Ornate Butterflyfish
Chaetodon ornatissimus
